Numb

Hey everyone,

How do you all deal with the "numbing" effects from being in the saddle a long time. It seems that when I am in the saddle for a while (15 minutes or more), my, uh hum, nether regions become very numb.

This is especially true when I am spinning. Any suggestions besides stand up? I am trying to build my climbing endurance from the saddle too.

Hmmm... 15 minutes in the saddle is not long, as you stated. That kind of leaves me feeling suspicious that something else is going on.

Someone recommeded a while back that you may want to consider seeing a doctor just to make sure this isn't medically related first. From there, if the doctor sees nothing out of the ordinary, I'd consider your saddle- a better saddle could do wonders. In addition, a good bike fit would probably help you to correct your form so you are seated correctly (pelvis in the correct alignment on the saddle, sitting on your "sit" bones, etc.). I'd call around and see if you can find a good bike shop that can give you a thorough bike fit. From there, if you're still feeling discomfort, get padded shorts. If you're STILL feeling discomfort after all these preventative measures, consider buying a new saddle.

It also just may be that it will take time to get used to being on the bike and staying seated in the saddle.

Personally, I couldn't stand sitting in the saddle more than a couple of hours at a time. New shorts didn't do anything for me. I took my bike in and tried a new saddle, and the difference is like night and day. I can now sit in the saddle for hours and hours on end with very little shifting around.

1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa

Posts

17,683

Mentioned

3 Post(s)

Tagged

1 Thread(s)

well numbing, no matter when it starts (15min or 1.5 hours) is never
a good thing.
First thing I'd check is the saddle itself. If your saddle is tilted such that
it's putting alot of pressure on your perinium that could be the cause.
A small change in saddle angle can make a lot of difference.
You also might consider having LBS help set up saddle for you (and
do a fitting which may help with this problem).
The next thing I'd do if the angle thing doesn't help is look at a
different saddle. There are lots of different saddles out there, a lot of
them are anatomic in that they have cutout down the center (or depression)
to relieve pressure, The other alternative is something like a Brooks B17 which
is wide enough to support your sit bones (if your saddle isn't wide enough to
support your sit bones your soft tissue will carry all the weight).
Alot of shops have bins of take off saddles for not a lot of money. You can
always try the hit or miss method, and if you're getting numb after 15 minutes
a quick test ride should answer that question.Wallingford Bicycle parts sells
Brooks saddles with a 6 month unconditional guarantee, if you don't like it
return it.
By the way, after trying cut out saddles, gel saddles, the only one that I find
comfortable is the Brooks B17, and no numbness.

I've had several since 1999 but have settled on my beloved 2001 Litespeed Tuscany and my latest, a 2015 Cannondale SuperSix EVO carbon

Posts

14,412

Mentioned

5 Post(s)

Tagged

1 Thread(s)

As Dude said, good shorts.
Are you wearing bike shorts? If you're wearing regular "walking shorts" or cut-offs, this may be part of the cause. The seam that runs under your ..... could be putting pressure down there.
Bike shorts don't have a seam in that area.

My bikes:2001 Litespeed Tuscany---2015 Cannondale SuperSix EVO carbon

If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get on. -- Lance Armstrong

Thanks, everyone. I am using bike shorts (and yes, Nazi, no underwear), and I have had the bike fit checked. I am getting the numbing very quickly with spinning training and I can't really change my seat there.

Anyone think that adding a gel cover to the spin bike as well as bike shorts will help?

I have my own seat slider for the SPinning bikes where I teach. I use the same saddle there that I have on my Bianchi. I find that the gel pads do more to keep you from pedalling smoothly, since you tend to bounce on them, but it would be worth a shot. Buy a cheap one at Wally world, etc instead of ponying up big bucks for something that may not help. If you are using real Spinning bikes, you can order a seat slider right from MDA.

I had similiar problem and my solution was an anatomic seat. Finally after trying Terry, Specialized, and Selle Italia I found my version butt nirvanah, the Selle Italia Pro Link Trans Am.
I think you are going to have to try several saddles before you find the right one for you.

The gel pads just add more stuff in the engine compartment. I suggest you either get the same seat you are using for normal cycling or get a real good set of shorts or bibs.... Stay away from the high-end catalog shorts offered from Performance, Nashbar, Pricepoint, Supergo etc....... Find a place in your area or online that deals with RACING stuff.... I have a set of Santini bibs and love them... I bought them at a race and it was one of the best purchases I have made.

I used to think the seat with the cutout was just a hoax to sell more seats. (I sit corrected! LOL) It sure worked I bought one for each bike and can't believe the difference they make for comforts sake!!

I used to think the seat with the cutout was just a hoax to sell more seats. (I sit corrected! LOL) It sure worked I bought one for each bike and can't believe the difference they make for comforts sake!!